Preliminary identification

Tiara Indiana Glass 'Honey Bee' Covered Box, Amethyst

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a classic 'Bee Box' or honey dish, a charming example of pressed glass revivalism from the late 20th century.

Story

In the 1970s, a wave of nostalgia swept through American homes, leading to the creation of Tiara Exclusives, a company that sold glass through home parties, much like Tupperware.

Maker / Origin

Tiara Exclusives was the marketing arm of Lancaster Colony Corporation, which owned the legendary Indiana Glass Company.

Condition & Value

Based on the photos, the glass appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips to the delicate finial or the inner rim of the box. The clarity of the amethyst color is strong. Any small 'straw marks' or tiny bubbles are typical of the pressing process and not considered damage.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD